Pentagon unblocks $400 million in aid to Ukraine following senators' criticism
Kyiv • UNN
Pete Hegseth confirmed the release of $400 million to strengthen European capabilities. The funds were unblocked after senators criticized the delay of the money.
The Pentagon has released $400 million in funding for Ukraine that was previously approved by Congress, following remarks from lawmakers regarding the delay of the funds. This was reported by Bloomberg, according to UNN.
Details
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the money is aimed at strengthening European defense capabilities and has already been unlocked.
The funding was "allocated for building European capacity, and as of yesterday, it was released,"
Criticism of the funding delay
The issue was previously raised by Senator Mitch McConnell, who chairs the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. In an op-ed for the Washington Post, he stated that the approved aid was effectively not being used.
"The aid for Ukraine that we passed months ago is now gathering dust at the Pentagon,"
Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst clarified that the funds have not yet been contracted, and their use will depend on exactly which weaponry Ukraine chooses.
Against this backdrop, the Donald Trump administration emphasizes the need for greater participation by European countries in financing Ukraine's defense. Trump himself held a conversation with Vladimir Putin the day before and stated that the Russian side might announce a "small ceasefire."